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nonesensed's review
5.0
I've been told that this book is the author's attempt at portraying what it's like to be a black person living the USA. I haven't seen the source of that supposed quote. Even if I had, I'm not really in a place to judge how well this portrayal is executed.
That said, this book was well worth the read. It's a harrowing story, balanced with moments of levity; a look at what it's like to learn that you're part of a minority and at how having to tell children that they're seen as lesser will hurt them but hopefully keep them safe(r).
Recommended reading for pretty much anyone!
That said, this book was well worth the read. It's a harrowing story, balanced with moments of levity; a look at what it's like to learn that you're part of a minority and at how having to tell children that they're seen as lesser will hurt them but hopefully keep them safe(r).
Recommended reading for pretty much anyone!
denisemastenbrook's review
5.0
It really was one hell of a book. Super creative story telling. I don't want to tell you much about it because it's a book you should experience without knowing what's going on. But it's an experience I hope you won't soon forget.
mateusjobim's review
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kakrucke's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
savannalope's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I just did not love this book. I found it confusing and felt like it was trying to make strong points about racism in America, but I think I wanted these points to be stronger and more in my face. I like the message but how it was presented wasn't for me.
tnociti's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
beccablock's review
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Bullying, Murder, Child death, and Hate crime
emptzuu's review
In Mott's novel, the underlying message resonates strongly, yet I found myself grappling with the delivery method. Despite its merits, I couldn't shake the feeling of why everything was condensed into one volume. Mott's ambitious attempt to tackle numerous dilemmas within a single narrative often results in an overloaded experience.
The narrative's reliance on an unreliable narrator blurs the line between reality and fiction, while peripheral characters often feel like exaggerated caricatures. The novel tackles important themes like racial injustice and police violence, but it becomes muddled when juxtaposed with frivolous scenarios and the unnamed author's indulgent struggles. The satire is a distraction, as it frequently prioritizes clever concepts over plot and character development, which are essential to my reading enjoyment.
The narrative's reliance on an unreliable narrator blurs the line between reality and fiction, while peripheral characters often feel like exaggerated caricatures. The novel tackles important themes like racial injustice and police violence, but it becomes muddled when juxtaposed with frivolous scenarios and the unnamed author's indulgent struggles. The satire is a distraction, as it frequently prioritizes clever concepts over plot and character development, which are essential to my reading enjoyment.